kit car ratings

[dj8418]

As an interested reader of this thread, how were the ratings in the earlier spreadsheet determined? One person's opinion, a panel of "experts" or a wide ranging survey of owners? Just curious as I am trying to educate myself on this topic.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by dj8418

As an interested reader of this thread, how were the ratings in the earlier spreadsheet determined? One person's opinion, a panel of "experts" or a wide ranging survey of owners? Just curious as I am trying to educate myself on this topic.

Dinobyte's spreadsheet was just a SWAG at an idea for rating the cars. Seems like a reasonable starting point. Just massage the inputs so that it support your original thesis...voila, you've got the best car.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by dj8418

As an interested reader of this thread, how were the ratings in the earlier spreadsheet determined? One person's opinion, a panel of "experts" or a wide ranging survey of owners? Just curious as I am trying to educate myself on this topic.

The chart is a complete crock made by a Backdraft person to promote Backdraft replicas.

Backdraft looks on par with Unique and Superformance???
Only if you set the BDR's bulging, butt-heavy look as the high standard. If the actual look, proportions and stance of a Cobra are used as the standard, Backdraft gets a generous "2" in that department. Unique would rate a "4.5" right behind ERA.

Backdraft's average score higher than CSX, SPF, ERA and Unique???
Not on this planet, unless again BDR and not the Cobra itself is set as the standard all manufacturers aspire to replicate.

Nothing against BDR or the folks that love them, they are a nice "Cobra like hotrod" but don't try to pass off marketing hype as objective Cobra replica evaluation. Please don't take this as an attack on Backdraft, just calling bs on the bs in the chart.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Please don't take this as an attack on Backdraft, just calling bs on the bs in the chart.

I would have posted that myself earlier, but I had already maxed out my acerbity limit.

[Dinobyte]

Originally Posted by Buzz

The chart is a complete crock made by a Backdraft person to promote Backdraft replicas.

Backdraft looks on par with Unique and Superformance???
Only if you set the BDR's bulging, butt-heavy look as the high standard. If the actual look, proportions and stance of a Cobra are used as the standard, Backdraft gets a generous "2" in that department. Unique would rate a "4.5" right behind ERA.

Backdraft's average score higher than CSX, SPF, ERA and Unique???
Not on this planet, unless again BDR and not the Cobra itself is set as the standard all manufacturers aspire to replicate.

Nothing against BDR or the folks that love them, they are a nice "Cobra like hotrod" but don't try to pass off marketing hype as objective Cobra replica evaluation. Please don't take this as an attack on Backdraft, just calling bs on the bs in the chart.

Buzz,

I am not trying to promote anyone's brand. I don't receive a commission if someone buys a Backdraft. I am an owner, yes. Would I have prefered a Kirkham? Yes! Is there anyone here who would not?

If you read my post, it asked for everyones input. The chart is a start, not a finish. As for your claim of not attacking anyone, nice try, but you don't get a pass that easily. I am sure you would would not try that BS with me in person.

Try being a bit more of the solution and not the problem. Why not add to this in a positive way and not come off as a flame thrower.

Michael

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

Try being a bit more of the solution and not the problem. Why not add to this in a positive way and not come off as a flame thrower.

Michael

Hey Buzz, I bet Michael could kick your a$$. Buttrick's too.

[Dinobyte]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Hey Buzz, I bet Michael could kick your a$$. Buttrick's too.

Sorry...you missed the meaning then.

People make outrageous statements in cyberspace, but in person, when they are in front of the crowd, the bravado fades.

Maybe comparing the cars is not possible, because we have not established a clear method of comparing apples to apples.

So, what is that method? Let's have a dialogue on it and determine what a base car means....from the manufacturer or via options to bring it up to what we decide a base car should be. Is that a good place to start?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

Is that a good place to start?

No, some of us won't be satisfied until we have pulled the intellectual level of this debate so far down in to the gutter that Jamo is forced to step in and lock the thread forever.

[TButtrick]

Originally Posted by patrickt

No, some of us won't be satisfied until we have pulled the intellectual level of this debate so far down in to the gutter that Jamo is forced to step in and lock the thread forever.

And you're leading the pack.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

Buzz,

I am not trying to promote anyone's brand. I don't receive a commission if someone buys a Backdraft. I am an owner, yes. Would I have prefered a Kirkham? Yes! Is there anyone here who would not?

If you read my post, it asked for everyones input. The chart is a start, not a finish. As for your claim of not attacking anyone, nice try, but you don't get a pass that easily. I am sure you would would not try that BS with me in person.

Try being a bit more of the solution and not the problem. Why not add to this in a positive way and not come off as a flame thrower.

Michael

Quit acting like a spoiled kid. I stand by everything I posted. On line or in person, makes no difference to me. Your chart is your way to justify buying a BDR and nothing more. Sorry.

Two guys escalating an internet difference of opinion to chest pounding, threats and personal conflict makes little sense. But while we're at it , let me assure you with all sincerity that if you said to my face that Backdrafts are better Cobra replicas overall than ERA's, CSX's, SPF's and Uniques, bet your bottom dollar buddy I would surely laugh out loud and tell you that you are full of it. How you choose to react to that is your problem. If you say that you like BDR's better than the others because of personal preferences and tastes, nothing at all wrong with that, just don't expect me to feel the same way.

My positive contribution to the chart idea is that the only objective set of standards for evaluating cars that attempt to replicate a Cobra is by comparing them to a Cobra. If we are to go with subjective opinions about what "looks nice" and "rides nice" we might as well forget it. As for which has "the best track performance" - lol! With what engine? Transmission? Who's driving? What track?

Originally Posted by patrickt
Hey Buzz, I bet Michael could kick your a$$. Buttrick's too.

Patrick, TButtrick and Mr. D*ckey need to duke it out over who has the nastiest name on cc. Then the winner gets to kick your butt for putting two roll bars on a nice ERA! Hey - just like a BDR!! maybe thats why Dino gave ERA's a "5"

[TButtrick]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Patrick, TButtrick and Mr. D*ckey need to duke it out over who has the nastiest name on cc. Then the winner gets to kick your butt for putting two roll bars on a nice ERA! Hey - just like a BDR!! maybe thats why Dino gave ERA's a "5"

Hey wait. That's my real name.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Patrick, TButtrick and Mr. D*ckey need to duke it out over who has the nastiest name on cc.

Ehhh, I don't think either one of them has the guts to throw the first punch at the other.

[TButtrick]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Ehhh, I don't think either one of them has the guts to throw the first punch at the other.

Well my father can beat up your father.

Grow the phuck up Patrick. Many of these post are in jest but yours just has a tone of deep hatred.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by TButtrick

Grow the phuck up Patrick. Many of these post are in jest but yours just has a tone of deep hatred.

Well, no poetry for you then.

[Dinobyte]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Quit acting like a spoiled kid. I stand by everything I posted. On line or in person, makes no difference to me. Your chart is your way to justify buying a BDR and nothing more. Sorry.

Two guys escalating an internet difference of opinion to chest pounding, threats and personal conflict makes little sense. But while we're at it , let me assure you with all sincerity that if you said to my face that Backdrafts are better Cobra replicas overall than ERA's, CSX's, SPF's and Uniques, bet your bottom dollar buddy I would surely laugh out loud and tell you that you are full of it. How you choose to react to that is your problem. If you say that you like BDR's better than the others because of personal preferences and tastes, nothing at all wrong with that, just don't expect me to feel the same way.

My positive contribution to the chart idea is that the only objective set of standards for evaluating cars that attempt to replicate a Cobra is by comparing them to a Cobra. If we are to go with subjective opinions about what "looks nice" and "rides nice" we might as well forget it. As for which has "the best track performance" - lol! With what engine? Transmission? Who's driving? What track?



Patrick, TButtrick and Mr. D*ckey need to duke it out over who has the nastiest name on cc. Then the winner gets to kick your butt for putting two roll bars on a nice ERA! Hey - just like a BDR!! maybe thats why Dino gave ERA's a "5"

When I posted the chart, I said "I need more detail to finish...but you get the idea." Feel free to send me your ratings. I don't want to slant, I would have loved it if all the people who know these cars had at some point prior to my purchase had put this type of chart together, compiling all the data into one easy to read format making my research a bit easier.

I could really care less if you think I am biased...I am...I want a Kirkham...not an ERA. But I drive a BDR and like it for now. Is it 110% original? No...but what is unless it is an original 1960's car? Your car may approximate the original in various aspects, but it will never be original, no matter how hard you try.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

When I posted the chart, I said "I need more detail to finish...but you get the idea." Feel free to send me your ratings. I don't want to slant, I would have loved it if all the people who know these cars had at some point prior to my purchase had put this type of chart together, compiling all the data into one easy to read format making my research a bit easier.

I could really care less if you think I am biased...I am...I want a Kirkham...not an ERA. But I drive a BDR and like it for now. Is it 110% original? No...but what is unless it is an original 1960's car? Your car may approximate the original in various aspects, but it will never be original, no matter how hard you try.

Actually my car is not very original looking at all. It has a forward braced roll bar and bolt on wheels. I put louvered vents in the hood - not so much for engine cooling now that it's properly tuned, but the engine compartment is way cooler after a long drive now - good for the longevity of underhood components. So this is really not about defending my chosen brand.

Back to the chart, though - what we could try is to simply list all of the factual info about each brand and let the reader rank and score them himself to suit his particular needs and preferences.
For example, list features like frame type, suspension (IRS/solid), dimensions, base/package price, etc.
As we can see, the subjective stuff is well...subjective and impossible to rank or quantify. A frank, objective comment section detailing any special/unique features could accompany the data.

Once drafted, it could be posted for input and corrections then placed in a sticky for potential buyers to peruse. Your format is good - do you think its doable? I'm willing to help with what I can but most of the good data will come from the owners and manufacturers of each brand.

Yes/no?

EDIT: Jolsen42, that is one really nice car!

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Actually my car is not very original looking at all. It has a forward braced roll bar and bolt on wheels. I put louvered vents in the hood - not so much for engine cooling now that it's properly tuned, but the engine compartment is way cooler after a long drive now - good for the longevity of underhood components. So this is really not about defending my chosen brand.

Back to the chart, though - what we could try is to simply list all of the factual info about each brand and let the reader rank and score them himself to suit his particular needs and preferences.
For example, list features like frame type, suspension (IRS/solid), dimensions, base/package price, etc. As we can see, the subjective stuff is well...subjective and impossible to rank or quantify. A frank, objective comment section detailing any special features could accompany the data.

Once drafted, it could be posted for input and corrections then placed in a sticky for potential buyers to peruse. Your format is good - do you think its doable? I'm willing to help with what I can but most of the good data will come from the owners and manufacturers of each brand.

Yes/no?

Let's put up a Wiki and then let everyone edit it.

I don't live in a dream world, but these threads are useless and kind of negative. Maybe entertaining banter for one person but not very productive.

This also is about a million miles away from the conversations that our local Cobra group has when we meet for breakfast to shoot the shix. And yes, every manufacturer is represented. Run what ya brung.

[pcoghlan]

Buzz, I applaud your intentions but I think that even putting aside the subjective items, which are most of the items listed, the rest will be nearly as difficult due to bias. It is difficult to look at even an objective item and be TOTALLY unbiased. I know I have a soft spot for my GD and would rate it highly in most areas. I suspect most owners would equally rate their brand highly in most areas.

In short I think this is a non-starter. I would love to be proven wrong but someone's suggestion earlier that new users simply use the in-site search to pull relevant threads might be the way to go.

Apropos the erm...well...prickly posts lets remember we are all here to share our enthusiasm for the Cobra. We are more united than divided.

So, stop it or I will bring up the UK v US thing!

Paul